Quiz: Howstuffworks

Are You Ready For This Tough Dog Breed Identification Quiz?

Kennita Leon

Image: PK-Photos / E+ / Getty Images

About This Quiz

Not all dogs are poodles and Labradors. There are some breeds we're sure you've never heard of, let alone be able to identify. But we like to challenge people here at HowStuffWorks and that's exactly what we're going to do today in this quiz. We want to know if you can name some of the most unfamiliar and rare dog breeds known to mankind. Could you possibly name these breeds from a picture?

There are just certain breeds that we're familiar with. Whether it's because they make great companions like the German shepherd, whether they're famous like the Chihuahua, whether they're cute like the Papillon or whether they're amazing family dogs like the Labrador retriever. We can just recognize these babies on sight because of how well-known they are. But there are more than a few breeds that you may have never heard of; some of them you'd say were probably made up. But if you're a huge dog fan or if you're an expert, you may have seen them around.

We want to test whether you remember them enough to name them in this quiz. Can you really ace this difficult dog breed quiz?

Louise / Moment Open / Getty Images

Which dog breed do you think this is?

Snowshoe

York chocolate

Maltipoo

Abyssinian

The Maltipoo, also called Moodle, is a small cross-breed dog which is the result of a Maltese and miniature poodle. These small dogs live up to 15 years and usually weigh between two and ten pounds. Their coat is curly and medium to long and comes in a variety of colors.

Fiona McAllister Photography / Moment / Getty Images

Can you name this little dog?

York chocolate

Highlander

Dachshund

Chausie

The Dachshund, also known as the sausage dog or wiener dog, is a hound-type dog breed known for its short legs and long body. This dog was specially bred to chase, scent and flush out badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals such as rabbits, moles and rodents.

RichLegg / E+ / Getty Images

Which breed would you say this is?

Maine coon

Papillon

Sphynx

Napoleon

The Papillon, also known as the continental toy spaniel, is one of the oldest breeds of the toy spaniel. It is a small dog with a short and thin muzzle, erect or dropped ears with rounded tips. The coat is straight, fine and long and is typically white with patches of color.

Kypros / Moment / Getty Images

What kind of dog is this cutie?

Ragdoll

Minskin

Korat

Brittany

The Brittany is a breed of gun dog named after the Brittany region of northwestern France where it was developed. It is a medium-sized dog with an athletic, compact and solid build with average sized head and floppy ears. Brittanys have a median lifespan of 12 to 13 years.

Wiki Commons by John M. P. Knox

Can you tell us what kind of dog this is?

Lowchen

York chocolate

Serengeti

German rex

Löwchen, also known as little lion dog, is a small dog which is regarded by the American Kennel Club as a non-sporting dog. Its long and wavy coat is commonly presented in a lion cut; part of the tail, front legs, back legs and haunches is shaved to mimic the appearance of a male lion.

Elizabeth Moehlmann / Moment / Getty Images

What breed does this look like?

Newfoundland

York chocolate

Snowshoe

Balinese

The Newfoundland is a large working dog originally bred for the fishermen of Newfoundland, Canada where it was developed. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, muscular build, strength, and thick double coat which allows them to excel at water rescue/lifesaving.

Yvonne Van der Horst / Moment / Getty Images

What about this one?

Savannah

Sphynx

Abyssinian

Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher, also called the monkey terrier, is a terrier-like toy pinscher breed of dog of German origin. This breed dates back to the 17th century and was created to be a ratter to remove rodents in kitchens, stables and granaries.

buchsammy / Moment Open / Getty Images

Which of the following breeds do you see here?

Persian

Chausie

Giant schnauzer

Napoleon

The giant schnauzer is the largest of the three schnauzer breeds which originated in Germany during the 17th century. This dog was initially bred to work on farms to herd livestock to market and guard the farmer's properties and was later moved to the city where it guarded butchers' shops, breweries, stockyards and factories.

By Anna Rostova / Moment Open / Getty Images

Identify the uncommon dog breed in this picture.

Highlander

Puli

York chocolate

Maine coon

The Puli is a small to medium breed of Hungarian herding and livestock guarding dog noted for its long, thick, rope-like coat. They are known for their loyal, intelligent, obedient, independent, friendly, playful, tough and headstrong nature.

elzauer / Moment / Getty Images

What do you think this dog is?

Shih Tzu

York chocolate

German rex

Korat

The shih tzu, also known as the chrysanthemum dog, is a toy dog breed which was developed in China. It is known for its friendly, affectionate and loyal temperament toward children and adults, and may be prone to stubbornness in regards to training.

Daniela Duncan / Moment / Getty Images

Match this dog to the breed you think it is.

Serengeti

Keeshond

Balinese

Ragdoll

The keeshond, previously known as the Dutch barge dog, is a medium-sized dog which originated in Holland. It is characterized by its silver and black coat with a lion-like ruff, tightly curled tail, wedge-shaped head, medium-length muzzle and small pointed ears.

Wiki Commons by Lilly M

Can you tell us what this dog's name is?

Minskin

Azawakh

Sphynx

Abyssinian

The Azawakh, developed in West Africa, is a sighthound livestock guardian and hunting breed of dog. It is a medium-sized dog with a small head, thin, almond-shaped eyes, long neck, short, flat back, long legs and a short, brown coat with white markings on the feet, legs and underbelly.

Purple Collar Pet Photography / Moment / Getty Images

Which of these breeds would you say this is?

Savannah

Snowshoe

Chausie

Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard is a huge breed of working dogs from the western Alps, where they were originally bred for rescue. They are identified by their dense, smooth or rough coat which is usually red and white or mahogany brindle and white with black shading on the ears.

Ryan Courson Photography / Moment / Getty Images

What's the correct name of this particular canine?

English setter

York chocolate

German rex

Highlander

The English setter, also Laverack or Llewellin setter, is a medium-sized dog breed of the setter group. It is a gun dog bred for a mix of athleticism and endurance and is known for its gentle yet mischievous and strong-willed nature.

@Hans Surfer / Moment / Getty Images

Can you please pick the name you think matches this dog?

Korat

York chocolate

Havanese

Maine coon

The Havanese is a dog breed of the Bichon type and the national dog of Cuba. It is a small dog with a long, silky coat and is noted for its curious disposition, excitable personality and adaptability to almost any environment.

Jupiterimages / PHOTOS.com>> / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Which dog breed do you think this is?

Persian

Serengeti

Tibetan mastiff

Napoleon

The Tibetan mastiff is a large Tibetan dog breed which is used by the local tribes of Tibet to protect sheep from wolves, bears, leopards, tigers and large mustelids. It is a powerful and stubborn breed known for its intelligence and guardian instincts.

Holly Hildreth / Moment Open / Getty Images

And this one?

Balinese

Sphynx

Mudi

Abyssinian

The mudi is a Hungarian herding dog breed which is bred today for work, sports, show and companionship. It is a very active dog which excels at many dog sports including Frisbee, flyball, dog surfing, dog agility and rally obedience.

Purple Collar Pet Photography / Moment Open / Getty Images

Which breed would you say this is?

Golden retriever

Labrador

Foxhound

Basenji

The basenji, nicknamed the barkless dog, is a hunting dog breed of Central African origin known for its yodel-like sound due to its abnormally shaped larynx. These basenji-like dogs have a small stature, short coat, erect ears, graceful necks and tightly curled tails.

Johann Oswald - was-fuers-auge / Moment / Getty Images

What kind of dog is this?

Snowshoe

York chocolate

Leonberger

York chocolate

The Leonberger is a giant mountain dog named after the city of Leonberg in Baden-Württemberg, Germany where it originated. It is identified by its thick, water-resistant double coat, striking black mask on its head while the rest of its coat is light and dark brown.

Luis Diaz Devesa / Moment Open / Getty Images

Tell us what kind of dog this is.

Ragdoll

Chinook

Chausie

Siamese

The Chinook is a rare breed of sled dog and the official state dog of New Hampshire, where it was developed. It is a balanced and muscular dog whose coat ranges from light honey to reddish gold with buff markings on the muzzle, cheeks, throat, chest, underside, breeches and toes.

www.anitapeeples.com / Moment / Getty Images

What breed does this look like?

Xoloitzcuintli

German rex

Serengeti

Balinese

Xoloitzcuintli pronounced as ‘show-low-eats-queen-tlee,' is a name that is a combination of two Aztec words- Itzcuintli the Aztec word for dog and Xolotl meaning ‘god' in Aztec. Though this dog is known as the Mexican hairless dog, there is another variety with a flat coat.

Wiki Commons by PrzemekL

What about this one?

Abyssinian

Sphynx

Minskin

Finnish spitz

This affectionate dog has features similar to that of a fox; its face bears a close resemblance and its ears are short with pointed ends. These are small hunting dogs, with males standing at 17.5-20 inches and females at 15.5 to 18 inches tall.

Purple Collar Pet Photography / Moment Open / Getty Images

Which of the following breeds do you see here?

Highlander

Maine coon

York chocolate

Schipperke

This barge dog grows no taller than 13 inches and is often used for hunting purposes. Schipperke has an impressive build, with a thick black coat of fur covering its entire body, giving it a very sturdy form.

Pekic / E+ / Getty Images

Identify the uncommon dog breed in this picture.

Korat

York chocolate

Napoleon

Bichon Frise

This small dog makes a fantastic family pet, due to its playful nature and lively personality. They should not be left alone for extended periods of time though, as these social animals tend to suffer from separation anxiety.

moaan / Moment / Getty Images

What do you think this dog is?

Siamese

Pembroke Welsh corgi

German rex

Savannah

This dog has short legs, a long body and weighs 27-30 pounds while standing at 10 to 12 inches. They come in a variety of colors such as black, tan red and yellowish-brown. Though small in size, they are quite lithe and possess a strong bark.

Wiki Commons

Match this dog to the breed you think it is.

Chausie

Balinese

Otterhound

Snowshoe

Otterhound is a hunting dog with an ability to hunt otters efficiently. Its body is well adapted to the task, thanks to its large webbed feet, coarse coat of fur, powerful limbs and sharp nose. Sadly, it is facing extinction and is ‘Britain's most endangered dog.'

Celso Mollo Photography / Moment Open / Getty Images

Can you tell us what this dog's name is?

Norwich terrier

Sphynx

Serengeti

Abyssinian

Norwich terriers weigh only about 12 pounds and have a shoulder height of just about 10 inches. Their miniature size is no match for spunky, sometimes bossy personalities. They are also adaptable and loving and do make good pets.

Wiki Commons by Pets Adviser

Which of these breeds would you say this is?

Irish water spaniel

York chocolate

Minskin

Persian

The Irish water spaniel is easily noticed by its long, curly dark hair that frames its face and forms a thick coat around its body. This accomplished swimmer is medium to large and has a with a rat-like tail at its end.

Fiona McAllister Photography / Moment / Getty Images

What's the correct name of this particular canine?

York chocolate

Highlander

Maine coon

Whippet

The whippet has an athletic build; a long slim body, strong legs and an equally long curved neck. This greyhound look-alike is quick on its feet and is always up for a good run. It does not require much upkeep either and tends to be a low maintenance dog.

Wiki Commons by State Farm

Can you please pick the name you think matches this dog?

Napoleon

Goldador

Korat

Ragdoll

Goldadors are very intelligent animals that serve as great service dogs and can aid in search and rescue and even serve as therapy dogs. They are also team players; they mix well into families and are cooperate with other pets in the household.

Wiki Commons by Ronald Berndt

Which dog breed do you think this is?

Abyssinian

Bolognese

Snowshoe

Siamese

The Bolognese is a small dog breed of the Bichon type named after the Italian city, Bologna. This toy dog is affectionate and loves attention, and usually forms a strong bond with its owner(s). It has a distinctive white, single coat which falls in loose ringlets over its body.

Wiki Commons by WoodmonkeyPhoto

And this one?

Chausie

Pharaoh hound

Balinese

German rex

The pharaoh hound is actually from Malta, and has nothing to do with pyramids. It averages 50 pounds, and most of them will live 11-13 years.

jhorrocks / E+ / Getty Images

Which breed would you say this is?

Japanese Chin

Sphynx

York chocolate

Serengeti

The Japanese Chin, also called the Japanese spaniel, is a lap dog and companion dog known for its crossed eyes. It is best known for its cat-like traits; independence, good sense of balance, preference for resting on high surfaces and using its paws to wash and wipe its face.

Yann Guichaoua-Photos / Moment / Getty Images

What kind of dog is this?

York chocolate

Coton de Tulear

Persian

Savannah

The Coton de Tuléar, which originated in Tuléar, Madagascar, is a small-sized dog breed named for its cotton-like coat. It is a non-shedding breed with low dander and medium to long, fluffy white coat which may sometimes have gray, black or tri-colored markings.

elenaleonova / E+ / Getty Images

Tell us what kind of dog this is.

Highlander

Maine coon

Samoyed

Snowshoe

The Samoyed, also known as Bjelkier, is a Eurasian dog breed which descended from Siberian hunting and herding dogs. It is identified by its dense, fluffy, double-layer coat which appears white but has a hint of silver coloring and a fluffy tail that curls over the back and to the side.

buchsammy / Moment / Getty Images

What breed does this look like?

Napoleon

Minskin

Korat

Greyhound

The Greyhound is a European sighthound which has been specially bred for coursing game and Greyhound racing. It has a lean and athletic build with powerful legs, deep chest and flexible spine which allows it to reach a full speed of 43 mph within 98 feet.

Wiki Commons by James Emery

What about this one?

German rex

Abyssinian

Plott

Chausie

The Plott, also known as Plott hound, is a large scent hound which has been the official state dog of North Carolina since 1989. It has a fine to medium brindle-colored coat with a muscular, athletic and agile appearance which suggests its capacity for speed, endurance and stamina.

Mike Watson Images / moodboard / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Which of the following breeds do you see here?

Komondor

York chocolate

Serengeti

Balinese

The komondor, also called the Hungarian sheepdog, is a large breed of livestock guardian dog nicknamed "mop dogs," due to its distinctive long, thick, corded white coat. This large molosser dog has a robust build, strong muscular legs, short back and a long tail carried with a slight curl.

Wiki Commons by TS Eriksson

Identify the uncommon dog breed in this picture.

Sphynx

Snowshoe

York chocolate

Swedish vallhund

The Swedish vallhund is an indigenous Swedish dog breed originally bred as a herder and drover of cows. It has a small stature with pointy ears, short legs, a short curved tail and a thick, double-coat which may be gray, grayish-yellow, grayish brown or reddish brown.

Jim Frazee / Moment / Getty Images

What do you think this dog is?

Bulldog

Golden retriever

Weimaraner

Chihuahua

The Weimaraner is a large German dog which was bred during the 19th century for hunting large animals. It has an athletic appearance with a docked tail, light amber, gray or blue-gray eyes and a short, smooth coat which ranges in charcoal-blue, mouse-gray, silver-gray and blue-gray.

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